How Invisalign is Different | Advance Orthodontics Blog

How Invisalign is Different from Normal Braces

Traditional Braces

These braces are either metal or ceramic, have bands and wires and are glued to the teeth. The individual is able to drink, eat and brush their teeth without taking their braces out. The braces are visible from the outside, but the ceramic ones blend into the color of the teeth much more than the metal ones. Certain foods such as popcorn and hard candy should be avoided, as they can damage the braces. Metal braces are often worn by children, whereas ceramic braces are more common for adults.

Main advantage over Invisalign: patient cannot remove them, so compliance is not as much of a problem.

Invisalign

These aligners are the latest technology in orthodontic tooth movement and are a way to straighten the teeth and correct the bite without braces. They are made of a firm, clear plastic and fit over the teeth like a bleach tray, night guard or retainer. Aligners must be removed when you drink and eat. The major problem with aligners being removable is that if they are not worn at least 20-22 hours per day, the desired tooth movement may not occur. Certain issues such as large spaces between teeth and severe overbites may not be correctable with this type of treatment alone.

Main advantage over braces: esthetics; easier oral hygiene.

Invisalign and Braces Together

More and more often, we find ourselves combing these two techniques in unique ways.  Often, for example, if a patient has too much crowding and overlapping of the lower teeth but the upper teeth are not as severe, we will use braces for the bottom and Invisalign for the top.  For most people, the upper teeth are much more visible when they smile and speak, so this combination works well.

If you’re curious about which celebrities have had braces check out this blog post.